Country: Afghanistan

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Afghan apparel industry faces ‘order crunch’

Apparel Resources
Afghanistan Apparel Industry
Image Courtesy: business-humanrights.org

Afghanistan apparel industry is facing a serious sluggishness in getting orders as foreign manufacturers are taking away the major share.

Industrial Union of Afghanistan has informed that currently only US $ 15 million worth of orders have been received by the garment factories located in Kabul, the national capital of the country. “Contracts are mostly given to Chinese and Pakistani garment factories, while our country has enough capacity to produce those materials,” said Abdul Rahman Faizan, Deputy Head, Industrial Union.

Also Read – India inks MoU to increase fabric exports to Afghanistan

It may be noted that garment factories were one the high-income sectors in the country in past when it received military cloth and tailoring contracts, but now it does not have access to these contracts and are facing the hardship.

As per the economic analysts, Government’s negligence is the main reason behind this situation as it does not support domestic production and if the situation continues, the factories will continue to face recession.

 

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New textile mill comes up in Afghanistan

Apparel Resources
Textile Mill
Image Courtesy: worldfamilyinternational.com

A new textile factory has been established in northern Balkh Province of Afghanistan. The unit produces 10,000 metres cloth and 1.5 tonnes of thread per day. Around 150 persons, including 60 women have been provided with work opportunity at the factory, which has been set up with an investment of US $ 0.89 million (Afghani 60 million), with plans to also export products to various countries.

Also Read – Tamil Nadu textile mills seek reduction of power tariff

Haji Baryali Nabizada, Owner of the factory said, “The facility had been made functional over the past one month but was not officially inaugurated.” The land and electricity issues threatened the production and expansion of the factory and Nabizada demanded help from the Government in this regard.

 

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1st women-run apparel factory in Bamyan

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Bamya
Image Courtesy: static2.businessinsider.com

Masoma Alizada has become the first women entrepreneur in Afghanistan to open an apparel factory in the country. Besides, she also runs a store that sells long jackets and embroidered blouses — for both women and men, produced in her factory.

Alizada, who is of Iranian origin, settled in the Bamiyan Province of Afghanistan six years ago. Now she is the proud owner of the the country’s first apparel factory in Bamiyan. She also owns a shop in a nearby market, which happens to be the first women’s market in Bamiyan province established by the governor of Bamyan in 2014, which comprise 25 shops run only by women.

“In order to create employment opportunities for women, I first started a women’s tailoring shop. Now I am happy with my work that has expanded remarkably,” Alizada says. Her apparel factory currently employs around 30 women, who work part-time from their home.

Alizada has benefited from all the support that she has received. “I started working as a tailor from home. At that time, I would sew clothes upon request,” she says.

Mosama reached the pinnacle of her success with the help of Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP), supported by the World Bank, which aims to enhance economic mobilization and activities in the region. In Bamyan Province, AREDP, works in Bamyan city, and Yakawlang, Saighan, and Panjab districts. She is also the first position holder in the Balkh Handicrafts Fair last year.